Work continues at Melfort Landfill site

The new cell is expected to reach substantial completion in the spring of 2026, with minor remaining work on the leachate force main and electrical components to resume when the ground conditions allow.

Director of Public Works Kalyna Cipywnyk said there will be some transitional work happening over the winter, with landfill operators depositing residential garbage into the new cell to insulate the new liner from the snow. The official opening of the site will be in 2026.

Gouws said the new landfill cell provides the city with secure long-term waste disposal capacity that meets all provincial environmental standards.

“Key benefits include a modern liner system to protect soil and groundwater, improved environmental controls, smooth continuity of service for residents and businesses, and extended lifespan for Melfort’s waste management infrastructure,” Gouws said.

Once the new cell is ready for use, waste disposal operations will gradually transition into the new area. Safety checks and commissioning will be completed by operations staff, while signage will be installed and the new cell will be used as the remaining lifespan of the old landfill footprint is managed.

Cipywnyk said customers can expect changes to where they drop off their waste upon completion of the new cell. There will be a new area for grain bags, tires, scrap metal, yard waste, and clean wood. She said those drop off areas will be subject to change as the site plan is finalized and the operations transfer to the new cell.

According to Gouws, the existing landfill cell that is scheduled for decommissioning underwent some pre-construction work in October.

“Activities included borrow investigations, site stripping, haul route setup, establishing the exclusion zone where city crews will manage the existing airspace over the winter, waste grading across approximately half of the existing cell footprint, installation of settlement plates, and initial clay barrier construction,” Gouws said.

The work on the existing cell has paused for the winter, and the overall completion of the decommissioning project is targeted for July 2026.

Residents may notice some additional construction activity and equipment, and any temporary detours or routing changes will be marked. Gouws said no major service interruptions are anticipated, and disposal services will continue as normal. Cipywnyk added that more information will be shared with customers once the new site plan is finalized.

The landfill decommissioning project is being funded in part by the Federal and Provincial Governments through the Investing in Canadian Infrastructure (ICIP) Grant.

“These projects are major, long-term investments that ensure Melfort continues to meet all provincial environmental regulations,” Gouws said. “Each project – the new landfill cell and the decommissioning of the current landfill – is separate but coordinated to ensure continuous service and environmental compliance.”

She added construction schedules are season-dependent, and winter shutdowns are expected for heavy earthworks.

Cipwynyk said the city appreciates the patience of residents and their interest in the work, and they’re excited to welcome customers to the site when construction is complete.

The city provides updates as major milestones are reached through their website.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Work continues at Melfort Landfill site

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